Knowsley Council is advising residents who keep chickens and other birds about new rules to control the risk of avian influenza (bird flu). Mandatory housing requirements for poultry in Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire come into force from 00:01 on Sunday 16th February. These rules mean that keepers will be required to keep their birds housed and will also be required to implement strict biosecurity measures. These rules have been introduced following an outbreak of bird flu in nearby Bromborough and an increased number of bird flu cases throughout the UK.
The Council is also reminding residents who keep poultry and most other birds that they must register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Registration is a legal requirement, which helps in the tracing of birds in cases of bird flu and other diseases. Registration is required for all poultry keepers – including people who keep only one or two hens in their back garden.
Details about the rules about keeping poultry and other birds can be found at: Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England – GOV.UK
Details about how to register poultry and other birds can be found at: Register as a bird keeper – GOV.UK .